CiCi's Space

Happy New Year dear reader:) It was around the Thanksgiving holiday that I began to get really excited about the new year and all it would bring. Somehow the beginning of the year has always felt like a clean slate to me…a time to slow down, reflect and pray about what God has in mind for me during this season. What I’ve discovered is that it’s always a step at a time. God wants me to do the next thing in front of me, whether it’s loading the dishwasher, making a phone call or sometimes just being still in His Presence when Im running on fumes.

Have you ever been waiting for something and it seems as if it’s taking way too long? “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). This scripture often comes to mind when my thoughts begin to spiral. God knows exactly where I am and whatever He’s allowed to come into my life during this season, ultimately, He will work something good out of it (Romans 8:28). At the end of last year, I was eager for the new year to come. Now that it has, I find myself still waiting. One might ask “What are you waiting for?” I don’t know exactly but there is a restlessness that I cannot shake. In truth, I think I need to visit my family. It’s been quite a while since Ive made the trip back to the midwest where I grew up. I need to see as many family members as I can while I have the chance and they’re still here. No one is getting any younger. In the past month, even with all of the holiday cheer, Christmas felt so different. Time continues to march on and Im feeling it.

“Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). As I understand this verse, I need to make wise use of the time that Ive been given every day, no matter how long the wait. One has to be intentional about this, otherwise you might find yourself scrolling for hours or watching Netflix all day. Maybe, like me, you’re waiting for something as well~ a wayward child to return home, your health to improve or a better job? What will you do in the meantime? May I encourage you, dear reader, from the scripture: “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (Colossians 3:23). In other words, during the waiting time, keep a great attitude:). While situations may be out of our control, we can always choose how to respond.